Detachable shoe accessories

ABSTRACT

An after-market shoe accessory that can be worn with any type of footwear, while appearing aesthetically unified with or custom-made for the footwear. The accessory has interchangeable, symmetric pieces that can easily be exchanged with alternative pieces for a full range of styles and looks. The accessory is constructed of four straps and two smooth, open and closable, connecting rings, each resting on each side of the ankle, to which all of the straps can be attached to wrap around the ankle and under the sole. The smooth connecting rings unify the straps of the accessory, make the straps interchangeable, and automatically adjust the angles between the straps.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 62/532,437, filed on Jul. 14, 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention lies in the field of fashion accessories, in particular fashion accessories worn with shoes.

BACKGROUND

Footwear accessories run the gamut from buckles and bows to decorative straps and laces. Most accessories are attached to the shoe; there are few after-market accessories that can be applied universally to any shoe. Some after-market accessories that have been proposed have the functional purpose of securing shoes to the ankle or tightening the shoe around the foot. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 7,398,607 to Garcia discloses a “heel strap apparatus for securing the rear portion of a strapless shoe to the ankle of a wearer.” Because their structure is dictated by their function, options for aesthetic variability of these accessories are limited. Other accessories are narrowly limited to a particular form of footwear, such as a decorative boot cuff that rests around the opening of the boot disclosed in U.S. Patent Publ. No. 2012/0042545A1 to Dickerson, and in addition to being limited to a specific type of footwear, are unable to be interchanged by the user with different styles of cuff.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to provide a universal after-market fashion accessory that can be worn in conjunction with any item of footwear, while appearing aesthetically unified with or custom-made for the footwear. It is a further object that this accessory be a versatile fashion accessory with interchangeable parts and accessories to allow for personalization with a wide variety of looks. It is another object that the accessory have a simple design and symmetric structure from which new accessory designs can easily be manufactured and sold without requiring different left/right structures. It is a further object of the invention to provide a footwear accessory that does not irritate the skin or damage the underlying item of footwear. It is a further object that the accessory to be safely attachable to the footwear and adaptable to different dimensions of footwear and ankle heights.

In pursuit of these objects, the invention is an after-market accessory made of a symmetric anklet component comprising two ankle straps joined by two smooth connecting rings that rest at each side of the ankle. Each connecting ring is coupled to a sole fastening strap that hangs downward from the ankle such that the two sole fastening straps can be secured together under the sole of the footwear. The connecting rings are openable and closable, enabling the accessory to be easily attachable around the ankle and footwear, and moreover, allowing the parts of the accessory to be interchangeable for personalization. For instance, the anklet component straps can be constructed of different materials and in different styles for matching with different types of footwear. In other words, the accessory can itself be accessorized. The style of the accessory blends seamlessly with the shoe, in part because of the symmetric, circular shape of the connecting rings. Moreover, the smooth surface of the connecting rings reduce irritation to skin and damage to footwear, and their circular shape enables automatic adjustment of angles between the anklet component and the sole fastening straps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the primary embodiment of the accessory.

FIG. 2 is a right side view of the primary embodiment of the accessory in an environment of use, worn with a high-heeled pump.

FIG. 3 is a close-up side view of the circle clip of the accessory.

FIG. 4a is a right rear perspective view of a fur anklet embodiment of the accessory in an environment of use, worn with a boot.

FIG. 4b is a right side view of a chain embodiment of the accessory in an environment of use, worn with a boot.

FIG. 4c is a front right perspective view of a charm embodiment of the accessory in an environment of use, worn with a high-heeled shoe.

FIG. 5 is a bottom right perspective view of an embodiment of the accessory in an environment of use, worn with a high-heeled pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description refers to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While embodiments of the invention may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. The proper scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, and therefore the following detailed description does not limit the invention but serves to give further description to the claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a primary embodiment of the accessory, which is comprised of a first connecting ring [20] and a second connecting ring [22]; an anklet component [10,12]; and a sole fastening segment [30, 32]. The anklet component is comprised of first anklet strap [10] and second anklet strap [12], which are joinable by means of the first and second connecting rings [20] and [22]. First and second connecting rings [20] and [22] are open and closable in order to receive said first and second ankle straps [10] and [12]. In particular, there is a loop [14; 15], [16; 17] at each end of each ankle strap in order to receive the connecting ring [20] or [22]. Thus, the anklet component is assembled by sliding first loop [14] of first anklet strap [10] onto the first connecting ring [20] and second loop [15] of first anklet strap [10] onto the second connecting ring [22]; similarly, sliding a first loop [16] of second anklet strap [12] onto the first connecting ring [20] and a second loop [17] of second anklet strap [12] onto second connecting ring [22]. The anklet component is to be worn around the ankle with first connecting ring [20] resting one side of the ankle and second connecting ring [22] resting on the opposite side of the ankle. The ankle straps [10; 12] are preferably of a fixed length and preferably of the same length, but in some embodiments of the invention may be differing lengths to achieve different looks. The ankle straps may be made of any materials, but preferably a soft material such as leather, which does not interfere with the shoe.

In addition, each connecting ring receives a sole fastening strap [30; 32] that hangs downward from the ankle such that the two sole fastening straps can be secured together under the sole of the footwear, comprising a sole fastening segment. The first sole fastening strap [30] and second sole fastening strap [32] are attachable to the first and second connecting rings [20] and [22], and securable together under the sole of the shoe. The first sole fastening strap [30] comprises a loop [34] at one end for receiving the first connecting ring [20], and at the free end [35] comprises part of a fastening means for securing to the second sole fastening strap [32], which similarly comprises a loop [36] at one end for receiving the second connecting ring [22] and at the free end [37] also comprises part of a fastening means, such as a buckle. Thus, the sole fastening segment is easily assembled by sliding the loop [34] of first sole fastening strap [30] onto the first connecting ring [20] and sliding the loop [36] of the second sole fastening strap [32] onto the second connecting ring [22], and can furthermore be secured under the sole of the footwear by securing the free end [35] of sole fastening strap [30] to buckle [37] on second sole fastening strap [32].

The accessory is secured to the sole of the shoe by tightening the sole fastening straps [30] and [32] together under the arch by means of the fastener. The preferred fastening means is a buckle [37], as shown in FIG. 1. Any excess material from the first sole fastening strap [30] after it has been tightened to the second sole fastening strap [32], can be tucked into a loop [38] in order to hide the end of the strap. The loop [38] hides functionality and excess material, making the accessory appear to be custom made for the footwear. Thus, when a user has assembled the anklet component [10; 12] and attached the sole fastening segment [30; 32], the accessory has a bespoke appearance that does not distract from the choice of footwear. FIG. 2 illustrates the primary embodiment accessory in an environment of use, worn with a high-heeled shoe.

Thus, a method for a wearer to assemble the accessory is to slide loop [14] of first anklet strap [10] onto first connecting ring [20] and slide loop [15] onto second connecting ring [22]. Next, add the sole fastening straps [30, 32] by sliding loop [34] onto first connecting ring [20] and loop [36] onto second connecting ring [22]. Then slide loop [16] of second anklet strap [12] onto first connecting ring [20]. Hold the accessory around the user's ankle, and slide loop [17] onto second connecting ring [22]. The anklet component is worn around the ankle with first connecting ring [20] resting one side of the ankle, and first sole fastening strap [30] hanging down from first connecting ring [20], and second connecting ring [22] resting on the opposite side of the ankle with second sole fastening strap [32] hanging down from second connecting ring [22]. Finally, the sole fastening straps [30, 32] are fastened together under the sole of the shoe.

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of first connecting ring [20] comprising a circle hinge clasp [24] ([27] on second connecting ring [22]) such that the connecting ring can be opened at clasp [25] ([26] on second connecting ring [22]) to receive the various straps of the invention. This structure is identical for connecting ring [22]. Although a hinged clasp is specified here, other forms of open and closable connecting rings are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, a connecting ring that opens automatically by the push of a button may one day be cost-effective and accessible enough to incorporate into this invention. An important characteristic of the connecting ring is that it is a smooth, torus-shaped ring that does not irritate the skin or damage footwear material. Footwear is often made with high-end materials such as suede and animal skins and the smooth surface of the connecting ring reduces the risk of tearing or bruising the fabric. Another important characteristic of the connecting ring is that its circular shape enables instantaneous adjustment of the angle between the anklet component and the sole fastening straps.

The connecting rings [20; 22] enable the accessory to be adaptable to a wide variety of footwear while maintaining a bespoke aesthetic so that the accessory appears built-in or custom-made for the footwear. Due to their functionality and symmetry, the connecting rings allow for interchangeability with a wide variety of after-market anklet straps, without requiring consumers to purchase multiple versions of the accessory for left and right shoes. FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate three example embodiments where one or both of the anklet straps are replaced with straps of different material and style. For instance, in FIG. 4A, anklet straps [10] and [12] are comprised of fur, while FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment in which first anklet strap [10] is comprised of first and second decorative chains [11] and [13]. Furthermore, the connecting rings enable further accessorization such as with charms [21] illustrated in FIG. 4C. These examples are not meant to be limiting, as the anklet straps can be designed in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and manufactured in a wide variety of materials, without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the anklet straps may be decorated with charms, studs, gems, or other embellishments, or may consist of multiple intertwined straps of different materials.

For instance, it will be noted that multiple sets of chains [11; 13] can replace the anklet strap [10]. In this example, chain links [13] can be of longer length than chain links [11] so that chain links [13] hangs lower on the front of the foot than chain links [11], making the design stand out. This example also demonstrates how connecting rings [20; 22] function as versatile connectors, not as a means for tightly securing the accessory around the shoe. The connecting rings enable the accessory to engender a bespoke and seamless aesthetic by minimizing their functionality.

Similarly, in order for the accessory to be adaptable and universal, the sole fastening segment [30, 32] is adjustable to function with various footwear and different body types. This is accomplished by using an adjustable fastening means, such as the buckle depicted in FIG. 1, which adjustably secures second sole fastening strap [32] to first sole fastening strap [30]. The fastening means enables the sole fastening segment [30, 32] to be adjusted to different ankle heights or thickness of sole. Although a buckle is specified here, other forms of adjustable fasteners can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, a double ring fastener, snaps or adjustable clips could be used. Preferably, a buckle loop [38] is included in order to hide any excess or hanging straps, maintaining a clean aesthetic that minimizes visible functionality. 

1. An accessory for embellishing any shoe comprising: a first connecting ring and a second connecting ring, each of the first and second connecting rings operable to open and close; an anklet component comprised of a first anklet strap and a second anklet strap, wherein each end of each of the first anklet strap and the second anklet strap comprises an opening for receiving the first connecting ring or the second ring, and wherein the first anklet strap and the second anklet strap are joinable into a closed loop by the first and second connecting rings disposed between said first anklet strap and second anklet strap, such that the anklet component is wearable around the ankle with the first connecting ring resting at one side of the ankle and the second connecting ring resting on the opposite side of the ankle; and a fastening segment comprised of a first fastening strap, a second fastening strap, and a fastening means for fastening the first fastening strap to the second fastening strap, wherein one end of the first fastening strap comprises an opening for receiving the first connecting ring and one end of the second fastening strap comprises an opening for receiving the second connecting ring, such that the first fastening strap and the second fastening strap hang down each side of the ankle to be fastenable together under the sole of the shoe.
 2. The accessory of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second connecting rings comprise a circle hinged clasp.
 3. The accessory of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second anklet straps comprise a fixed length strap wherein the end of the fixed length strap is attached to the strap forming a loop.
 4. The accessory of claim 2 wherein each of the first and second anklet straps comprise a fixed length strap wherein the end of the fixed length strap is attached to the strap forming a loop.
 5. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the first or the second anklet strap comprises a first chain link and a second chain link, wherein each end of each of the first chain link and the second chain link comprises a link for receiving the first connecting ring or the second ring.
 6. The accessory of claim 2 wherein the first or the second anklet strap comprises a first chain link and a second chain link, wherein each end of each of the first chain link and the second chain link comprises a link for receiving the first connecting ring or the second ring. 